NFL Trade Rumors: Should the New England Patriots sign back Cam Newton from the Panthers?

Cam Newton was the New England Patriots' initial choice to replace Tom Brady in the 2020 season. The following summer, he became one of the final cuts made by the team during training camp.

He could make a positive impression on his former ardent audience if he returns to a Patriots team in a state of relative turmoil. For that, he needs to help turn around an attack that is full of promise but lacks significant NFL exploits.

With Newton's assistance, the Patriots could keep prioritizing their rushing game, which is the centrepiece of their offense. He is a quarterback who is substantially more explosive than either Brian Hoyer or Bailey Zappe.

He may also prove to be a more reliable backup for Mac Jones. This can be a situation where Newton occasionally enters to give variety to the attack.

Although Cam Newton isn't quite as good as he's always been, he could still contribute a little bit. While some Patriots supporters would prefer to ignore that he was the starting quarterback in 2020, others would prefer to have his seasoned demeanor instead of Zappe or Hoyer.

This time, however, Newton will have a stronger cast. With Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris in the backfield, Newton's dual-threat potential would provide the Patriots with a potent rush attack.

Is Cam Newton still good enough to be a top quarterback for the Patriots?

Despite having relatively few choices in the league, Cam Newton feels confident that he is still a good quarterback. After a disappointing season with the New England Patriots, the former MVP is fresh off a disappointing second stint with the Carolina Panthers.

The Pivot Podcast featured Newton saying that he is good enough to feature in one of the teams.

"There aren't 32 guys better than me. You're a damn fool if you think I can't be on someone's team right now."

Newton led the Patriots to a 7-8 mark in 15 games played as a starter, tossing eight touchdowns and rushing for another 12, while also recording 10 interceptions. In eight games while playing for the Carolina Panthers during his last NFL season, Newton completed 54.8 percent of his throws.

In the 2020 campaign, the 33-year-old started as quarterback for the Patriots. He had 20 touchdowns, 592 rushing yards, 10 interceptions, 2,657 passing yards, and 15 games in which he started. His quarterback efficiency was pretty poor, as evidenced by his 82.9 passer rating.

Newton is once again at a juncture in his career when he has the potential to be an experienced player who inspires a side for a few games. But being a long-term starter is most likely past him.